Taking an awesome profile photo is a science and an art rolled into one. Your profile picture is a representation of yourself that many will use to define who you are and what you’re all about.

Because of this, it’s very important to take a photo that is both professional and attractive.

In this article, we’re sharing five tips for taking an awesome profile photo.

5 Tips for Taking the Best Profile Photo

1. Use a High-Quality Camera

Taking a great profile photo starts with your camera. You can use your cell phone, but if you’re trying to take a professional profile photo, you’ll need either better equipment or a little help.

If you need a new profile picture for the purposes of getting hired, consider investing in a DSLR camera or hiring a photographer to take your photo. It will likely pay off in the long run.

2. Dress For Who You Want to Be

The old adage is true: Don’t dress for who you are, dress for who you want to be.

If you’re trying to get a job in the business world, you should wear clothing that you would wear to a day at work.

If you’re applying for a job in a creative field or just using your social media profile to make personal connections, consider a more casual look.

When it’s relevant, you should dress to impress.

3. Make Yourself Look Friendly

Most people use social media, websites, or lifestyle blogs for networking, whether for personal or professional reasons. Because of this, you want to be sure that your picture paints your personality as approachable.

There are a few techniques you can use to accomplish this.

For starters, you should make eye contact with the camera and show your teeth when you smile. Also, try to position the camera and slightly raise your chin so that your jawline is accentuated.

Furthermore, slightly squint your eyes in your photo so you look more relaxed. If you are wide-eyed in your photo, it can come across as a lack of confidence.

4. Don’t Use Too Many Effects

When it comes to photo editing and effects, it’s important to keep it simple.

Many applications and social media sites offer tools for editing. And, while these pictures may look good on Social Media, often, they don’t translate well in a professional setting.

You can lightly touch up your photos if they look poor after uploading, but make sure they look as natural as possible.

And remember, any effects you put on your photo should not distract or obscure from your face. Otherwise, your picture won’t have the same effect.

5. Think About Your Audience

Above all else, remember who you’re trying to market yourself to.

If you’re using social media for personal reasons, represent yourself accordingly. The same goes if you’re using social media to network or to get a job.

Present the best possible version of yourself in your profile picture, and you’ll be able to make meaningful and lasting connections easily.

Of course, once you have the perfect photo, you’ll want to figure out how to market yourself online.